Gallery:

PLANTS AND SUCH

AT HILTON POND NORTH

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Chicory, Cichorium intybus (above)—a non-native, herbaceous perennial in the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)—was introduced from Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, likely for culinary and medicinal uses; it has naturalized widely across the U.S. and southern Canada. Chicory grows 1-4' tall, with stiff, hairy stems and sparse, lobed leaves. Its most recognizable feature is bright, sky-blue flowers June to October. (Also comes in pink and white.) Each blossom opens in morning and closes mid-afternoon, adding a splash of color to pastures, and dry fields where often thrives. Here at Hilton Pond North it is doing well on the sunny roadside near our mailbox.  Chickory's deep taproot can be roasted and ground as a coffee substitute or additive—a tradition associated with New Orleans. Historically, it has been employed in traditional medicine for digestive and liver ailments. While its ecological benefits are limited compared to native plants, Chicory does provide nectar for bees and other pollinators and can help break up compacted soil with its long taproot.

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